Organic foods on the public plate as a driver for learning

Organic Marketing Centre has actively worked for an increase of the purchase of organic food by the public catering sector in Scania Sweden since 2001. During this period the percentage of organic food purchased by the public sector has increased from less than 1 % in 2001 to 6 % in 2006. The share of organic milk (1,5 % fat) sold to public sector in Scania has increased from 23 % in 2001 to 49 % in 2006. The method used in our work is the following: First we initiate the formation of a team of decision-makers in the local authorities. They then suggest an objective for the purchase of organic food, to be politically decided. The objective has to gain approval from all parts of the organisation. After that a strategy for implementation must be formulated. The public procurement process must be adjusted and purchase routines changed. Usually education of staff is needed to increase the understanding why and how they are going to buy more organic food. After that the strategy can be realized. The last but not least important step in the process is the follow-up of the results that should be a part of the strategy. When the objectives are full-filled it is time to formulate new and more ambitious ones. The local authorities, which have formulated clear objectives for the purchase of organic food, are also those that consume the highest proportion organic food.